Collection Manager

Collection Care - 50%

• Implement best collections management practices, including, but not limited to the following: accession and deaccession, registration and documentation, preservation, conservation, access, and risk management.
• Provide long-term storage locations for collection objects, including ensuring appropriate materials are used, organizing and reorganizing storage furniture to provide adequate space, building storage mounts and boxes, and taking mitigating actions against agents of deterioration.
• Pack, transport, and handling of collection objects between Spooner Hall and Spencer Museum of Art for exhibition, research, and class requests.
• Monitor the storage environment and other conditions in Spooner Hall. Work closely with facilities services to provide access for maintenance activities.
• Develop and implement an integrated pest management plan, including monitoring, prevention, and mitigation activities.
• Help write and revise collections management policies and procedures and develop and implement disaster preparedness and recovery plans.
• Receive objects and prepare Incoming and Outgoing Receipts, including transporting, packing, and unpacking artwork; prepare condition reports.
• Conduct periodic inventories of collection and maintain accurate records of object locations.

Collections Data Management - 25%

• Work with collection database managers to develop and implement metadata standards for collection objects.
• Create new database records for incoming acquisitions, loans, new participants, literature records, etc.
• Update and edit database records to ensure the most up to date information is available in both the internal database and online collection and ensure that the data retrieval for the online collection functions properly.
• Work with the Global Indigenous Art and Lifeways curator to ensure that the data for that collection is recorded in an appropriate manner and reflective of cultural sensitivity concerns.
• Maintain object files.

Research, Exhibitions, and Outreach - 20%

• Assist with Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) compliance.
• Conduct research on collections in the Global Indigenous Art and Lifeways department for the purposes of cataloging, reconciling records, improving artist information, publication, and information sharing with source communities and the general public.
• Determine and obtain necessary state, federal, and international permits and permissions for collection activities.
• Work as part of collaborative teams to steward and share the collections.
• Participate in professional development that benefits the Museum by attending workshops and professional meetings related to collection policies, the physical care of collections, and legal ramifications related to the collections.

Other - 5%

• Assist in mentoring staff, interns, and volunteers regarding collection management responsibilities.
• Serve on a core team of Spencer staff that responds to building and collection emergencies.
• Remain up to date on professional collection management practices, policies, and procedures.
• Attend all-staff meetings.
• Serve on cross-departmental teams and search committees.

1. The ability to climb stairs and ladders.
2. The ability to lift objects up to 30 lbs. unassisted.

1. Master's degree or higher in Anthropology, Art History, Museum Studies or related field.
2. Three years of museum registration/collection management experience.
3. Two or more years of experience with a collections database, including data entry, as evidenced by application materials.
4. Knowledge of professional standards for collections care as evidenced by application materials.
5. Familiarity with museum legal and ethical issues, particularly with the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act, as evidenced by application materials.
6. Experience handling a wide variety of museum collection objects, including ethnographic works, paintings, sculptures, works on paper, and textiles, as evidenced by application materials.
7. Strong written communication skills as evidenced by application materials.

1. Five years museum registration/collection management experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience (paid, volunteer, or internship).
2. Familiarity with preventive conservation methods and procedures, including IPM, as evidenced by application materials.
3. Demonstrated ability to work with very little direct supervision, with an emphasis on teamwork and collaboration.
4. Previous supervisory experience in a museum setting, with an emphasis on teamwork and collaboration.
5. Familiarity with copyright and reproduction permissions.
6. Demonstrated experience with Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act compliance.
7. Demonstrated ability to communicate well with a broad range of individuals including donors, Indigenous community members, volunteers, artists, faculty, students, and vendors.
8. Strong verbal communication skills.